The life of graduate students is, by definition, busy and sleep-deprived. As the academic term progresses, we are simply less and less able to devote more than a 4-5 hour block of time to something as mundane as sleeping. Therefore, we are also by virtue (in general) champions of the spur of the moment power nap.

All except for me.

I have not spontaneously napped since about 1991-1992. This is the year I became a wearer of soft contact lenses. While my sight dramatically improved, my freedom and flexibility attained a sad rigidness.

There are people out there, I've heard, that are able to swim, nap, sleep, shower, and do a variety of other things in their contact lenses. I am not one of them. I can hardly go outside with a slight 5 mph breeze and not have troubles. The worst offender of all according to this sight-impaired 28 year-old? Yes...indeed, the leaf blower. Or, as I call it, the Poor Excuse for a Broom and Dustpan.

While my hate for leaf blowers is likely to remain, after Thursday all those other things I mentioned are supposed to be within my reach. Yes, I may possibly begin to nap spontaneously. It shall be grand and terrific. You may be wondering, "However can Miss E accomplish this alleged spontaneous napping??"

The answer is found in the miracle of the eye surgeon's happy laser. Sure enough, I am going under the proton beam this Thursday morning. I've been told things should proceed smoothly and I will be free of glasses and contact lenses very shortly (but there is always the chance the procedure could leave me blind, of course).

While I am a recuperating invalid, I may have to take a break from the computerizing. Therefore, I bid you adieu, until the next time I can see this screen without my spectacles. God willing.